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(last updated Friday 27 August 2010)
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What
is a Javelin
The Javelin is a high performance, single
trapeze, 14ft two handed skiff raced competitively throughout New Zealand
and Australia, with fleets starting in the United States. Its
lightweight 70kg hull, and powerful, efficient sail plan allow it to
exceed speeds of 25 knots and provide an exhilarating "ride" and
exciting fleet racing.
The Javelin is a restricted development class which offers close
exciting racing at a very affordable price. The Javelin is a
light-weight boat, and carries a large sail area for its size. This
combination makes the Javelin a very exciting boat to race and sail.
The Javelin was designed in New
Zealand by John Spencer in 1961. Its popularity has seen it become a National
Class with fleets throughout New Zealand and Australia.
National,
Inter-Provincial, and South Pacific championships provide sailors with good close racing,
and social events.
What is a
Development Class
A Restricted Development Class is one which has a loose set of
rules (or restrictions) which allow the sailor freedom to
experiment when building or modify a boat. This freedom allows the
class to evolve as individuals find new and innovative ways of making
their yachts go faster, and faster!
An example of a Javelin Restriction is:
Rule 8.2 BEAM AT WIDEST POINT:
No part of the boat may exceed 1727mm overall beam.
The ability to "try something out" has seen some of yachting's biggest
names design Javelin hulls. IACC designers Bruce Farr, and Ian Murray
being notable examples.
A number of our most successful Javelin sailors prefer to build and
race Javelins of their own design.
Restrictions
and Dimensions
Principal Dimensions (see the
Class
Rules for more information):
| Maximum Length |
4267mm |
14' |
| Maximum Beam |
1727mm |
5' 8" |
| Minimum Weight |
70kg |
150lb |
| Mast Height (above deck) |
7160mm |
23' 6" |
| Main Sail area |
11.6m2 |
125ft2 |
| Jib area |
4.6m2 |
50ft2 |
| Gennaker Area |
18.6m2 |
200ft2 |
To maintain a class "look and feel"
all Javelins must have a hard-chine hull shape and a straight bow stem.
Construction materials are unlimited.
Most Javelins are built in plywood, however a number have been built
using composite materials, e.g. foam/glass, foam/kevlar/carbon,
balsa/glass.
Where do
Javelins Sail
The Javelin is a New Zealand and Australian National Class, with boats
now being built in the United States and Canada.
NEW ZEALAND
The Javelin is the only High-Performance Skiff class sailed throughout
the entire country. Javelins are sailed from the bottom of the South
Island in Dunedin up to Auckland, and the Bay of Islands.
The major centres for Javelin Sailing in New Zealand are Auckland,
Tauranga, Napier, Gisborne, Wellington and Otago. Javelins are also
sailed in Huntly, Taupo, Levin, Whakatane, Taranaki, Manawatu and
Te-Anau.
AUSTRALIA
The Javelin is sailed in Australia in Victoria and Western Australia.
For information about Javelins sailing in your area ring one of the
New Zealand or Australian contacts
How much is it going
to cost
The Javelin is the most affordable of all the high performance racing
dinghies.
In New Zealand a National Champion winning boat sells for $7,000 -
$10,000, with highly competitive boats selling for $3,000 - $7,000.
This
price generally includes a road and beach trailer, the boat and a
quantity of spare
sails and other gear.
A
brand new boat, with carbon mast, carbon foils, and all the flash
stuff, will set you back around $18,000.
Older less competitive boats can be picked up for $500 - $2,500. These
older boats are good for those new to Javelins to get a feel for the
class without the extra outlay required for a newer boat.
These prices compare very well with other centre-board dinghies. If you
are looking for maximum speed and enjoyment at an affordable price why
look any further, have a look at our Boats for Sale listings
Who sails
Javelins
The Javelin attracts a variety of people of various ages. Occupations
range from Bank Managers, Farmers, Engineers and Carpenters to Sail
Makers, Boat Builders and Spar-Makers.
Because its not an Olympic class, the Javelin remains affordable, not
only to purchase but also to keep in race winning condition. You also
don't have to worry about being beaten by someone who sails
professionally and trains all day.
 Although it's a high performance boat, the Javelin
caters for a wide age range. Current sailor's ages range from around 17
to more than 50. The ability to configure your boat to your budget,
fitness and ability means that the older guys are still able to win and
teach the younger sailors a thing or to.
The class is especially attractive to those in their early 20's, cheap
fast racing, good competitions,
social events and constant challenges are
major incentives.
High Performance
The Javelin is NOT a family dinghy for day sailing! The combination of
a light weight planing hull design and generous sail area make the
Javelin a fast, challenging and exhilarating boat to sail.
A Javelin will plane up-wind in 10kts of wind speed, when 3-sail
reaching using a Gennaker speeds in excess of 20kts are readily
achievable. Although high-powered the Javelin can be sailed up to about
30 knots of true wind speed
The Javelin is quite a stable boat at speed, however it does require a
pretty experienced crew to get the most out of it around a race track
on a gusty day. High speed capsizes are inevitable every now and then
and make for some pretty entertaining stories when the racing's over.
CONTESTS
A major attraction of the Javelin is the variety of competitions in
which you can compete. National and Regional championships are held in
New Zealand and Australia, and every two years both sides of the Tasman
clash with the South Pacific titles. See the Racing & Competitions section for more information.
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